[f. FLYING ppl. a.] † a. Used by Caxton to render Fr. pont-levis (drawbridge). † b. (See quot. 1727, s.v. FLOATING=BRIDGE). c. A temporary bridge for military purposes, esp. (see quot. 1876).
1489. Caxton, Faytes of A., II. xxxv. K ij. Pount leveiz that be made faste therto whiche are called flyghyng brygges and may reche vnto the walles.
1675. Lond. Gaz., No. 1043/3. The Munster Troops … have repassed the Weser … over a Flying-bridge above this City.
1726. Cavallier, Mem., IV. 340. I had but just cross’d the River upon a flying Bridge, when the Enemy appear’d behind me; but I was safe enough, the River not being Fordable.
1876. Voyle, A Military Dictionary (ed. 3), 142/2. Flying Bridge—Consists of one or more barges moored by a long cable to a point in the centre of the stream. When the barge is properly steered in a current sufficiently strong, it is swept by it from one bank to the other.
